Why Not Consider Opening Your Own Business?

Look no further than the university's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for help

Startup Weekend Oxford begins Friday, Feb. 20 at the UM School of Business

Startup Weekend Oxford begins Friday, Feb. 20 at the UM School of Business Administration.

For many of us, the real world is here or approaching quickly. As you consider future careers, I’m sure becoming a business owner has crossed your mind. If so, the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship serves students and alumni who need help with entrepreneurial ventures.

CIE can assist every step of the way while providing a wide range of services. The innovation boot camp teaches budding entrepreneurs how to formulate ideas, and the LandShark Tank pitch competitions throughout the year offer guidance on how to put ideas into action. The center works with other campus departments, such as the Center for Manufacturing, to provide clients with prototypes and the law school to provides free legal advice. CIE can even help secure funding and provide office space.

The center’s mission is to create a supportive and nurturing environment while providing all the tools for success. CIE recognizes the odds are stacked against new business owners but works to change those odds for Ole Miss graduates. Even after graduation, CIE will continue to assist by giving you access to its business consultants and help with advertising.

Coming Feb. 20-22, CIE is co-hosting Startup Weekend Oxford in the School of Business Administration. Over the course of 54 hours, you can create a viable business. It is a three-day frenzy of business creation, coding, designing and market validation.

The cost is $25 for students and $50 for nonstudents. All seven meals are included as well as prizes from Google, Amazon and more. To find out more about the competition, go to http://www.up.co/communities/usa/oxford-ms/startup-weekend/about. To learn more about CIE, go to http://www.olemissbusiness.com/cie/OleMiss_Center_for_Innovation_and_Entrepreneurship/Home.html.